Responses to birth trauma and prevalence of posttraumatic stress among Australian midwives

Leinweber, Julia; Creedy, Debra; Rowe, Heather; Gamble, Jenny

doi:10.1016/j.wombi.2016.06.006

Cited by 110 publications

(145 citation statements)

References 35 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

132

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…However, this results in what Hunter calls ‘emotional work’, as midwives practice in ways that are contradictory to their own woman-centred philosophy [68]. In addition, a recent study [70] found that midwives who witness interpersonal birth trauma can experience trauma themselves. The researchers suggest that witnessing this type of trauma may be perceived as a threat to their sense of personal and professional integrity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Women’s descriptions of childbirth trauma relating to care provider actions and interactions

Reed

Sharman

Inglis

2017

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

203

154

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

BackgroundMany women experience psychological trauma during birth. A traumatic birth can impact on postnatal mental health and family relationships. It is important to understand how interpersonal factors influence women’s experience of trauma in order to inform the development of care that promotes optimal psychosocial outcomes.MethodsAs part of a large mixed methods study, 748 women completed an online survey and answered the question ‘describe the birth trauma experience, and what you found traumatising’. Data relating to care provider actions and interactions were analysed using a six-phase inductive thematic analysis process.ResultsFour themes were identified in the data: ‘prioritising the care provider’s agenda’; ‘disregarding embodied knowledge’; ‘lies and threats’; and ‘violation’. Women felt that care providers prioritised their own agendas over the needs of the woman. This could result in unnecessary intervention as care providers attempted to alter the birth process to meet their own preferences. In some cases, women became learning resources for hospital staff to observe or practice on. Women’s own embodied knowledge about labour progress and fetal wellbeing was disregarded in favour of care provider’s clinical assessments. Care providers used lies and threats to coerce women into complying with procedures. In particular, these lies and threats related to the wellbeing of the baby. Women also described actions that were abusive and violent. For some women these actions triggered memories of sexual assault.ConclusionCare provider actions and interactions can influence women’s experience of trauma during birth. It is necessary to address interpersonal birth trauma on both a macro and micro level. Maternity service development and provision needs to be underpinned by a paradigm and framework that prioritises both the physical and emotional needs of women. Care providers require training and support to minimise interpersonal birth trauma.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Women’s descriptions of childbirth trauma relating to care provider actions and interactions

Reed

Sharman

Inglis

2017

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth

203

154

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…There is growing acknowledgement internationally of the need to identify methods of reducing midwives’ distress following trauma exposure (Cohen, Leykin, Golan-Hadari, & Lahad, 2017; Leinweber et al, 2017a; Wahlberg et al, 2016). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…After a traumatic experience, midwives may take time off sick, change their clinical allocation or consider leaving midwifery altogether (Leinweber, Creedy, Rowe, & Gamble, 2017a; Sheen et al, 2015; Wahlberg et al, 2016). In an Australian survey, midwives with probable PTSD were four times more likely than those without to report an intention to leave their profession (Leinweber, Creedy, Rowe, & Gamble, 2017b).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A programme for the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder in midwifery (POPPY): indications of effectiveness from a feasibility study

Slade

Sheen

Collinge

et al. 2018

European Journal of Psychotraumatology

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background: Midwives can experience events they perceive as traumatic when providingcare. As a result, some will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with adverse implications for their mental health, the quality of care provided for women and the employing organizations. POPPY (Programme for the prevention of PTSD in midwifery) is a package of educational and supportive resources comprising an educational workshop, information leaflet, peer support and access to trauma-focused clinical psychology intervention. A feasibility study of POPPY implementation was completed. Objective: This study aimed to identify potential impacts of POPPY on midwives’ understandingof trauma, their psychological well-being and job satisfaction. Method: POPPY was implemented in one hospital site. Before taking part in the POPPY workshop (T1) midwives (N = 153) completed self-report questionnaires, which measured exposure to work-related trauma, knowledge and confidence of managing trauma responses, professional impacts, symptoms of PTSD, burnout and job satisfaction. Measures were repeated (T2) approximately 6 months after training (n = 91, 62%). Results: Midwives’ confidence in recognizing (p = .001) and managing early traumaresponses in themselves and their colleagues significantly improved (both p < .001). There was a trend towards reduced levels of PTSD symptomatology, and fewer midwives reported sub clinical levels of PTSD (from 10% at T1 to 7% at T2). The proportion of midwives reporting high and moderate levels of depersonalization towards care was reduced (33% to 20%) and midwives reported significantly higher levels of job satisfaction at T2 (p < .001). Reductions in self-reported stress-related absenteeism (12% to 5%), long-term changes to clinical allocation (10% to 5%) and considerations about leaving midwifery (34% to 27%) were identified. Conclusions: In conclusion, POPPY shows very positive potential to improve midwives’ mental health and the sensitivity of care they provide, and reduce service disruption and costs for trusts. Large-scale longitudinal evaluation is required.

show abstract

“…When sense of coherence is high, individuals feel they have the resources and resilience to cope with stressful situations, including those engendered by the environment itself (Lindstrom and Eriksson, 2006). As midwives in hospitals throughout the developed world report significant work related stress and burnout (Sato and Adachi, 2013;Pezaro et al, 2015;Wahlberg et al, 2016;Leinweber et al, 2017) we believe the consideration of supportive workplace design is increasingly important.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Friendliness, functionality and freedom: Design characteristics that support midwifery practice in the hospital setting

2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

new and existing birth rooms can be designed or adapted to better support the wellbeing and effectiveness of midwives and may thereby enhance the quality of midwifery care delivered in the hospital. Quality midwifery care is associated with positive outcomes and experiences for labouring women. Further research is required to investigate the benefit that may be transmitted to women by implementing design intended to support and enhance midwifery practice.

show abstract

Responses to birth trauma and prevalence of posttraumatic stress among Australian midwives

Cited by 110 publications

References 35 publications

Women’s descriptions of childbirth trauma relating to care provider actions and interactions

Women’s descriptions of childbirth trauma relating to care provider actions and interactions

A programme for the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder in midwifery (POPPY): indications of effectiveness from a feasibility study

Friendliness, functionality and freedom: Design characteristics that support midwifery practice in the hospital setting

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About